Survey reveals lax sun care

The survey, commissioned by Suncorp bank, shows when respondents do not wear sunscreen it is because 71 per cent forget to put it on, 13 per cent think it is too greasy and 4 per cent do not like the smell.

Suncorp spokesman Brad Steele says the survey results are worrying.

"Seventy-six per cent of the Mackay residents that were surveyed are concerned about skin cancer protection, but unfortunately 20 per cent of those people surveyed actually do apply skin cancer protection [only] when they feel their skin is burning," he said.

"What the survey also showed is that 51 per cent of the Mackay residents who were surveyed think that having a tan is healthy and that is a real worry."